Still Feeling 'Vibrations': Brian Wilson

HERE'S WHAT YOU USUALLY READ whenever the name "Brian Wilson" is mentioned in regards to an upcoming show. "Beach Boys" + "Pet Sounds" + "mental illness" + "cocaine" + "Smile" + "musical genius" + "comeback." Consider that done.

Next, you're told where (Warner Theatre) and when (8 p.m.) you can see the 66-year-old legend. Done and done. And of course there's the plug about the kudos he received on his last album, "That Lucky Old Sun." Check.

But what do we always think whenever we hear of him? The theremin. That's right, the theremin -- the ghoulish sounding radio frequency instrument that's the piece de resistance of "Good Vibrations." Our pop music history professor (yes this was a real class!) made us listen to this song 15 times in a row to dissect each harmonizing layer of the contagious ditty. We've been feeling good vibrations ever since (and not in the Marky Mark way).

» Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW; Tue., Nov. 18, 8 p.m., $57-87; 202-397-7328. (Metro Center)

Photo by Jonathan Alcorn/The Washington Post